https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:48:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214760 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 15:15:04 +0000 Angie 2214760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Staysfit,</b>&nbsp;partly feeling your way to a style that is authentic and congruent is one of the best ways to go. Your intuition is not to be underestimated, and it sounds like you are realizing that! Rock on :)</p> <p><b>Star</b>, I believe it with all my heart.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214722 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:13:20 +0000 Staysfit 2214722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks for reminding me about that post! So true that poise, posture, elocution, movement, grace, and confidence are a large component of elegance. &nbsp;These factors help create our perception of elegance vs perhaps a physical/athletic presentation. &nbsp;Both presentations are lovely. &nbsp;Taken further, it seems important to recognize that everyone has variable forms and amounts of all these factors. The interplay among them influences how people perceive our personality and style. &nbsp;Elegance is only one possibility. The best style for an individual would be congruent with these factors.&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>It’s been super helpful to re-read your post. &nbsp;Here’s part of what I said in response to your post &nbsp;back in 2018: &nbsp;…..”I felt like my style might be too casual to be elegant, and I sometimes enjoy adding some fun, joyful and even what some might deem quirky elements at times that might drop my style out of the elegant category.” &nbsp;&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>“After reading through all these responses, finding myself nodding after each one, I wondered if I was becoming more confused! &nbsp;The definitions that ring truest with me are those that speak to the congruence of the clothing style to the person’s physical traits and personality without being a distraction or a detractor, and serves to highlight the positives without seeming to be a mask for anything negative. &nbsp;The best form of elegance is a smile.”</p> <p>I am remarkably consistent! &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;It’s easier to identify something than to carry it out. You need to be ready. &nbsp;I believe I am ready to hone in on the balance of the various elements of my style in order to find the best ways to mix them so they correlate with my personality and mannerisms….the yin and Yang. &nbsp;Whether or not the end result is elegant or something else is becoming less important to me than having something authentic and congruent. Elegant is a nice term, but maybe it is not enough to describe what I am trying to achieve? &nbsp;I think that’s why I have continued to use the word Composed in my style statement. &nbsp;Calm and under control, &nbsp;but it also reminds me of its cousin, composition, which is a quality of a mix of ingredients to make a whole. &nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214596 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 17:06:11 +0000 Star (Lise) 2214596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie&nbsp;</b>I love your last paragraph.&nbsp; Wise words indeed.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214592 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 16:18:49 +0000 Angie 2214592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Staysfit,</b> FWIW, I wrote a post about how to create elegance.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2018/08/07/creating-elegance-in-an-outfit/">https://youlookfab.com/2018/08.....an-outfit/</a></p> <p>What makes an outfit elegant is extremely subjective, and lies in the eye of the beholder. Elegance means different things to different people.&nbsp; <p>First, it can be argued that elegance has little to do with the outfit, and more to do with the manner, poise, posture, elocution, movement, grace and confidence of the wearer. That’s definitely one component of elegance, but an elegant outfit goes a long way too. At least - it does to my eye ;)</p> <p>Second, elegance is NOT a dress size, length of hair, type of complexion, age or height. Elegance is a package deal and a sum of many parts. Some of the most elegant people I know are below 5ft tall, plus sized, or over the age of 70. I do think that elegance comes more easily with age, because of the ease and confidence that grows within as you get older.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214584 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 15:14:30 +0000 Irina 2214584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t know if I can offer any advice on how to achieve elegance in outfits, it’s an emotional evaluation of one’s look and based on an individual set of values. When I looked at you photos from recent NAS, I see that you have already some of what in my opinion, elegant clothes like cardigans in longer, straight cut, in soft colors. I find that a blue crew neck sweater in soft blue with slim jeans represents your sporty side in an elegant way. I don’t share the idea that one needs to wear delicate fabric to soften the look. Elegant clothes to me is simple but precise &nbsp;cuts, movement, a minimal number of details. High contrast outfits can be as elegant as low contrast ones but the lines should follow the lines of a body somewhere in an outfit to give a structure and ground it.&nbsp;<div>Any body type can be dressed in this style and it is a skill like any other. Another question if a person feels authentic in such clothes.</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214579 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 14:53:50 +0000 bj1111 2214579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Staysfit, “ No extraneous distracting factors”. </p> <p>Yes! Elegance suggests a restraint. Not minimalism, although it may be easier to suggest elegance from that starting point, it can also veer into austerity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214557 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 11:59:34 +0000 Staysfit 2214557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, well stated about movement, &nbsp;I wholeheartedly agree and appreciate your lovely explanation! &nbsp;I was writing my responses when you posted yours….</p> <p>FI, yes, I agree. &nbsp;It’s not about the type of item…shorts, birks, etc. &nbsp;For me it’s about the congruence of the lines and movement with personality. &nbsp;Upswept hair, and sleek hair are in fact recommendations from Ms. Mossou….</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214556 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 11:57:16 +0000 Staysfit 2214556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni NZ, I agree that my height, my frame and my features may allow me to achieve what many would consider a classically elegant style, however, this is not exactly what I am trying to do. &nbsp;You, Gaylene, and Rachy make me wonder whether only certain types of body frames can be elegant, or if everyone can be? &nbsp;Rachy and Gaylene seem to point to movement as a prime factor in what may be a key factor for elegance….the grace of one dancer or athlete over the physicality and athleticism of another. &nbsp;Gaylene’s point about refinement seems relevant here because when I think of elegance it brings to mind refinement and use of the simplest but best line, material, and item to suit a person… &nbsp;No extraneous distracting factors. &nbsp;In my original “definition” above,&nbsp;elegance happens when someone’s lines, innate personality and what they project are aligned. &nbsp;This clearly has to include movement, and the other factors that people have raised above. I also think adding refinement, the absence of clashing/distracting factors may possibly be a helpful way to think. &nbsp;I am not specifically referring to level of dress (formal/casual), style of dress (sporty, edgy, etc.) or even a wardrobe item that when standing alone, due to its long flowing lines, or rich material, one might call elegant. In my use of the word, it’s a dynamic process….the magic of congruence.&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>Clearly, not everyone wants or needs to achieve this sense of congruence as a goal of their personal style. &nbsp;I openly admit that it is mine. &nbsp;It’s funny that I use my aunt as my style icon. &nbsp;It’s not her wardrobe I want to emulate as much as her entire persona. I cannot wear the same style clothing as her because she was short, had large bones, had very rounded and curved features, etc. &nbsp;Yet, she always looked congruent, truly elegant, no distracting details. &nbsp;Her humor, warmth, generosity, kindness, social grace and poise were projected front and center. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Jenni NZ, I would argue that despite your remarks to the contrary, you are in fact very elegant. It may not be the typical word people come up with as a visual adjective for your look. &nbsp;However, you intuitively know your lines, and your personality projects to others in the way you would like….your style enhances it does not distract. &nbsp;In my specialty, I do not want my personality or clothing to be distracting to my patients. I have solidly come to terms with the idea that it’s more distracting when lines (etc.) and personality clash vs. when they are congruent and “elegant”. &nbsp;I believe now that my previous efforts to mitigate the intimidating and imposing aspects that come from my height, sharp angles and facial features were errors. I should not mitigate as much as enhance and highlight. &nbsp;Despite my height and angularity, I need a measure of delicacy to my look. So my current struggle is in how to more accurately project/complement my personality as well as finding the&nbsp;correct balance between the stronger, sleek, vertical lines which work so well for me and my need for some added ethereal detail.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Rachylou and Fashintern, you both raise a point about frame size. &nbsp;I have a small frame based on the method where you wrap your middle finger and thumb around your wrist and see if they overlap, meet in the middle or don’t meet. &nbsp;Despite my height, I can wear delicate jewelry, but strangely, I think I can also wear some large and dramatic jewelry because of my more dramatic features.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Sal, thanks! &nbsp;I was hoping you would answer my question this way. &nbsp;I am going to start experimenting with my outfits and accessories to see how adding various details or changing them might impact the overall look. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Firecracker, thanks, I’m glad you think my plan makes sense. &nbsp;I am going to rethink my style adjectives to see if they might keep me on track….right now I use “soft, fresh, classic, sleek, practical, light”. &nbsp;I wonder if I should eliminate “soft” in exchange for something else….maybe delicate, sharp, fresh, sleek practical, light? &nbsp; &nbsp;I’m not sure about using both delicate and light…<br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214552 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 11:29:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2214552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ST, good point about different types of athleticism! I think of elegance as an ease of movement that I see in the basketball player I mentioned, but there are others—Joel Embiid, for example—who show effort. Embiid often lumbers up the court, but still puts up big numbers on offense and defense, so simply equating athleticism and elegance doesn’t work. Looks like I’m the one who needs caffeine.</p> <p>Coming back to the clothing and your ballgown/Birks &amp; shorts example, I think elegance is, as you said related to the way you move, not what you wear, *but* some clothing enhances this more than others. Fluttery running shorts can be more elegant than a gown with a bodice so tight it creates “spillover” at the top/edges, and anything that makes movement difficult strikes me as the opposite of elegant—heels so high the wearer can’t walk well, for example. That’s why I suggested upswept hairdos as a way to enhance elegance, because they suggest movement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214542 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 10:38:35 +0000 Anonymous 2214542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me elegance is deliberate, fluid movement- like Tai Chi. There's nothing choppy/stacatto, quick, chaotic, or harsh. It's a flowing stream or the movement of clouds. </p> <p>Athletic can be many things. Moving power-like a punch, jump, or hitting a ball. Still power-holding a yoga pose or weight. Flow like running, swimming. Variable movements that combine moving power and flow, hard/stacatto and soft/legato movements, like a dance, tennis or many team sports. </p> <p>So on that note: feeling inelegant may come more from our bodies as they move in different ways throughout the day. It woudn't matter if I was wearing a ball gown if I felt rushed and chaotic. OTOH, I couldn't just glide through my day in shorts and Birks.<br /> Maybe I just need more coffee </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214537 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 09:49:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 2214537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me personally, I’m quite happy not to be elegant. My SIL and I were actually discussing this at a family meal for MIL’s 85th birthday this week. She mentioned a particular store we had both been to. I said I hadn’t bought anything there, that it was too elegant for my style and also the clothing is made for taller women, the items would tend to drown me. And I emphasised that I wasn’t putting myself down by saying the clothes were too elegant, just that elegant is not what I am going for. It’s still a great compliment if it’s ever said about me, which I think has been precisely once in my life, ha ha.<br /> Obviously for you it is something you aspire to, and can achieve, with your height and rectangular figure. So I am slightly puzzled as to why you find it sometimes difficult to achieve? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214536 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 09:34:48 +0000 Jenni NZ 2214536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to go back to your original question. Am I an intuitive dresser? I think so, when I was young anyway from when I first chose my own clothes at age 15 until just after having first child at age 29. I did lose my way in the 1990s with having 3 children in 5 years, but got the mojo back for about another decade until losing it around menopause. As far as my profession goes I just dress appropriately and in what I like, which seems to make many patients happy as I get compliments. I don’t feel I have to try very hard to project myself and my personality to them? It comes naturally… but I suppose I am unlikely to come across as very imposing at 5 foot 1 with a pixie cut, am I?<br /> Will need to muse on your journey a bit before answering more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214526 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 08:08:59 +0000 rachylou 2214526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I don’t know, FI. Some athletes are elegant and some are… athletic. I must say, sometimes it’s inherent and sometimes it’s coaching. I’ll never forget the year Helgi Tommason took over the SF Ballet from Michael Smuin - the company totally went from elegant to athletic in the blink of an eye. The same dancers started moving noticeably differently through the same moves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214518 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 07:18:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2214518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, not sure what you’re getting at with the contrast between elegance and athleticism. I think Kevin Durant, the basketball player, is elegant, and I think the way he moves is akin to what people see in me when they call me elegant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214503 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 04:14:37 +0000 rachylou 2214503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know… so I have a medium frame. My relative small size to my giganto doctor fooled her into thinking I can go smaller than I can. By the same token, I don’t think I can achieve a delicate look with dainty jewellery. It disappears on my frame and doesn’t do anything at all… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214483 Sat, 07 Aug 2021 01:05:05 +0000 Staysfit 2214483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, Well stated! &nbsp;“…does elegance emerge when you wear clothes that harmonize with your body, your way of moving and your personality so as to project that impression of smoothness, precision, and refinement….” &nbsp;I like the dance references…..although I have a hard time sorting the subtleties of refinement, delicacy and simplicity. When I think of Fred Astaire, I sense a certain delicacy to his frame and features which adds to his grace. &nbsp;Gene Kelly does not have the same physical delicacy but I still think he projects refinement and poise.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Rachy, so true, delicate is an adjective although the noun it is associated with becomes relevant. &nbsp;When I am thinking of delicate…I primarily refer to my wardrobe and my frame/facial features, not execution, although subtle use of delicate wardrobe items may be a key to creating the sort of harmony I seek. &nbsp;Delicate wardrobe features are&nbsp;yin, ethereal qualities: Iridescence, fine textures, draping and webbing, clothing that moves, wings and feathers, abstract patterns, etc. &nbsp;</p> <p>Shevia, I like, “Sometimes there are aspects of ourselves we just don’t notice or think about until someone points them out”.&nbsp; I clearly have blinders and distorted perceptions about myself which make objective use of self assessment systems like Kibbe difficult, &nbsp;</p> <p>Suntiger, thanks. &nbsp;Hearing your positive responses to my assessment is reassuring.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Bijou, Yes! &nbsp;A fluffy and solid West Highland White Terrier…..bold, confident, fun-loving and intelligent. &nbsp;(I think Suz has started something here!). Thanks for sharing in detail your thought process for creating balance between yin/Yang in your wardrobe. Powerful Pretty definitely works well as your style moniker. &nbsp;I can see these elements in every one of your outfits…..and they suit your Westie<br /></div><div></p> <p>Roxanna, I am going off now to play around with Avatars. &nbsp;Thanks for the link. &nbsp;I think this will be very helpful.</p> <p>Back again later….<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214470 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 23:50:45 +0000 Sal 2214470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree Gaylene - of course you can’t purchase elegance. But - as a user of this term it helps define how I want to feel (it’s not quite polished or refined or classic). It definitely helps me. It’s emotive and aspirational - like calling style sporty doesn’t make me great at throwing or catching ( I wish!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214435 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 21:35:32 +0000 Gaylene 2214435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe elegance requires refinement as opposed to its cousins—delicacy and simplicity?</p> <p>To me, elegance comes from the person not the clothes. Fred Astaire fused smoothness and precision while Gene Kelly fused power and control—one was elegant refinement, while the other was fluid athleticism. Both were superb dancers in their tuxedos, but their personas were very different. That’s why I wonder about the usefulness of the term “elegance” as a shopping guide—is it possible to buy “elegance” off the rack? Or does elegance emerge when you wear clothes that harmonize with your body, your way of moving, and your personality so as to project that impression of smoothness, precision, and refinement? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214421 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 20:51:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2214421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, brilliant! Resolves an issue I hadn’t completely formulated in my head </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction/page/2#post-2214415 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 20:34:08 +0000 rachylou 2214415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A random thought re delicacy - you can have a delicate, ie fragile, material and then you can have a delicate, ie refined, execution… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214395 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 19:15:04 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2214395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think "imposing yet delicate" can be reflected in relatively sharp, yang-oriented styles with lighter, nuanced colors and patterns. That is to say, the track you are taking or planning makes sense to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214390 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 18:56:09 +0000 Sal 2214390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit - thank you. Yes I do balance pieces - I prefer a floral or lace blouse with jeans over a skirt often, or a bright item with neutral simple shoes. I do this process intuitively but don’t always get it right. It’s the part of getting dressed I find the most fun - and in a rush I will often repeat. I don’t plan it analytically. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214313 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 13:04:19 +0000 Helena 2214313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, this times a million for me too:&nbsp;</p> <p><i>"I am not particularly tied to an excellent outcome as much as I am tied to an authentic expression of myself."</i></p> <p>Well-said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214290 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:07:21 +0000 Staysfit 2214290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I am truly chuffed! &nbsp;I have been compared to a standard poodle before, but a Saluki is even better! &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Unfrumped, it’s nice to know I am in good company with this struggle! &nbsp;Thanks for complementing my posts. &nbsp;Written expression is not my strength. However, I find that my thoughts on a given topic gel when I try to write about it. &nbsp;It’s a bit like taking photos or needing to try things on in front of a mirror before knowing if they will pair well together. I am not able to visualize them well enough in my mind. &nbsp;I gave brief consideration to the possibility that it’s a struggle in moving from a flat plane to three dimensional volume. I’m sure this can be a factor sometimes. However, I think it’s more about understanding which details are relevant and which are extraneous. &nbsp;For whatever reason, it’s easier for me to get distracted by a detail, or to somehow lose focus of the overall look when the topic is style/fashion. &nbsp;My professional work relies upon keen awareness and understanding of my reactions and responses to others. It’s not an analytical process as much as an emotional gut response that I use, rely upon and trust….intuition. &nbsp;It’s razor sharp and accurate. &nbsp;I notice the smaller details but rarely get distracted by them, I almost always see the big picture and when relevant can hone in on a detail. &nbsp;It’s a skill I learned and then honed over years of practice.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>LisaP, thanks!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Sal, I admire your keen sense of what works for you and what does not. Relaxed, elegant and bold suit you perfectly. &nbsp;I’m curious if you intuitively know what factors create the right balance for you without crossing the line of too much in one way or another. &nbsp;Also, if you do have an item that is perhaps too strong in one way, can you reliably use one another item to create that balance. For example, is a too bold item worthy of removal from your wardrobe….or can you find a way to balance it?&nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back again later! &nbsp;Thanks for all the thoughtful responses….</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214289 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:03:34 +0000 Roxanna 2214289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Sf: have you thought about using Style Avatars to reflect different sides of your fashion personality? They are like’ characters’ that reflect different sides of your style, through outfits you put together using pieces from your existing wardrobe. I find they are helpful in providing direction and cohesiveness. My Avatars are: The Prince, The Artist and The sophisticate. You can read more about them here:<br /> <a href="http://bluecollarredlipstick.com/2021/08/style-avatars-a-reconsideration/" rel="nofollow">http://bluecollarredlipstick.c.....ideration/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214286 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:34:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2214286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I want to know what kind of dog I’d be. I know someone who has a goofball, very enthusiastic Alaskan Husky, even though the dog is actually intelligent. Are they all like that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214285 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:26:58 +0000 Bijou 2214285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to laugh at Suz's dog reference because I would be a fluffy and solid little West Highland White Terrier to your elegant Salukis!&nbsp;</p> <p>Staysfit, I have always thought you have innate elegance and I can most definitely see the matching of your style and body type to Nicole Kidman. Your colouring differs, but the streamlined and sleek styles that suit you also look fabulous on Nicole and you both have glorious curls.</p> <p>Whilst I have generally been instinctive in my style, I enjoy analysing what styles and colours work best on me and trying to understand why some items work and others do not. It really helps to avoid making the same mistakes. Just because I like a look on someone else or love the look or feel of a garment does not mean it is going to work for me.</p> <p>I have found the type analysis tricky as I am not clear on my Kibbe type, but have found considering yin and yang elements useful. My self diagnosed typing is:</p> <p>Kibbe: Soft Classic or Theatrical Romantic (depending on the test, I get one of these types). Consistently I am higher yin than yang.<br />Colour analysis: A soft summer, cool tones are best but some warm tones work on me because my eyes are teal and my blonde hair has some warmth despite my pink based skin.&nbsp;</p> <p>I look better in a white shirt with some detail rather than a man style 'classic' white shirt. My white shirt in Finds is representative of what I look for in clothes. Overall it is higher yin than yang with the delicate broderie anglaise fabric and cut of the sleeve, but the lines of the shirt are simple and clean. The fabric is enough, any more embellishment would overwhelm me. I prefer wearing a shirt like this with jeans rather than a t-shirt which feels too yang for my style. </p> <p>In all my outfits, usually there is an undercurrent of yin over yang, whether from accessories, use of colour, style or fabrication. My style moniker is Powerful Pretty. I like the duality of feminine detail and strength and getting the balance right between these elements works best for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214284 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:24:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2214284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to take this part too far, but part of the difference in our somewhat tall, fairly thin physicality are that I’m “flat”—broader side-to-side than front to back, and that I have big bones, which I suspect you do not (measurements are taken, for example, around the wrist or of a bent elbow). I overshot my weight loss goal, and weigh now what I did in 7th grade, but from the front still make very hearty /hardy impression. </p> <p>Interesting that you consider art nouveau “earthy”; to me, it is a sophisticated, stylized look. I’m going to guess that you’re thinking of the vines and willows, which often look heavy &amp; “gunky” to me, whereas my mind goes to whiplash curves &amp; the cleanness of removing Biedermeier decorations. So your point about linguistic descriptors being fraught is well-taken. </p> <p>To me, “elegance” entails movement, either actual or implied. I think upswept hairstyles could work well for you, highlighting those delicate facial features without the severity of a short cut.</p> <p>I have a strong analytic bent, according to the SAT, but am instinctual in my wardrobe. The analytics I like most there are the antithesis of stats; it’s the aha moment of realizing there are actual steps I can take to figure out an outfit that isn’t working as-is, and puzzling together travel capsules with lots of silhouettes and looks from just a few pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214283 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:23:25 +0000 Jaime 2214283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very interesting. I do agree with Rachy that I do not immediately see the connection with the celebrities on your list, but do think the description of your overall vibe sounds right. Elegance, for me, comes from a certain amount of poise, which in turn stems from a certain amount of resonance between the outer and inner. That is why these systems can help, although not perfectly prescribe. Sometimes there are aspects of ourselves we just don't notice or think about until someone points them out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/elegance-and-personal-style-evaluation-and-new-direction#post-2214246 Fri, 06 Aug 2021 05:08:50 +0000 Suz 2214246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to add....Salukis are noble, intelligent animals who are highly independent -- not to mention elegant! And valued for their thoughtful, reflective natures!&nbsp; </p>